by Leigh Goessl

Created on: November 27, 2010

Packing a carry-on bag filled with essentials makes for more convenient air travel. The unfortunate reality is that packed bags can and do get lost or misdirected to their destination. If this happens to occur, the loss of luggage can quickly put a damper on any vacation or business trip.

By making sure your carry-on contains all the basic items needed for arrival, and the possessions that cannot be easily replaced, this will ensure in the event your checked baggage is lost or misplaced you'll have less problems.

With a smartly packed carry-on, you can start your trip with the basics until your bags arrive, or in the unfortunate event your checked bag is lost for good, your important and/or not otherwise easily replaced items are with you at all times and you do not have to deal with the fall-out of expensive or precious items lost.

Here are a few tips of items that should always go into your carry-on bag:

• Important Paperwork

Your personal and identification papers should always go in your carry-on bag. Never pack your passports, driver 's license, birth certificates or other essential paperwork in your checked luggage. You'll need these items for your travel and if your bag is lost, this could cause you a severe headache and put constraints on your trip.

• Valuables

When packing your checked luggage, you should do so with the possibility of theft and loss in mind. Only pack those items which can be easily and inexpensively replaced in these bags. Since checked baggage may go through many hands prior to being stowed beneath the aircraft, this increases the possibility of theft or loss. A general good rule of thumb to follow is anything of value should be placed in the bag you will be carrying with you at all times.

• Change of Clothes

It is always a good idea to pack one or two sets of clothing in your carry-on. If a change of clothing does not fit in your chosen bag, at the very least pack a a couple of pairs of underwear and socks. This way you have something to change into in the event your checked luggage is misdirected or lost until you can pick up some replacement clothing.

• Medications

A good rule of thumb is to carry your medications on your person, but most especially essential prescriptions. Due to security regulations, keep in mind you'll have to follow government guidelines when carrying liquids and, if the medication exceeds the determined measurements, these items are subject to inspection.

• Electronics and Digital

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